Vietnam-era experimental mailbag

c. 1956-1975

This experimental mailbag was designed to be dropped into remote combat zones from helicopters during the Vietnam War. Designed to survive harsh conditions it is made from a thick waterproof plastic that would protect the contents. The drab green color was intended to camouflage it from the enemy but it proved too effective and the concept had to be abandoned as it was too hard for U.S. forces to locate the mailbag in the foliage.